Abstract: A representative embodiment provides for an imaging apparatus including an output tray supported by the imaging apparatus and configured to receive sheet media from a first source and a second source, wherein the first source and the second source are respectively supported by the imaging apparatus. Optionally, the imaging apparatus also includes a detector configured to provide a signal in response to a predetermined accumulation of sheet media from the first source and the second source within the output tray. Another embodiment provides a method of receiving a first sheet media and a second sheet media within a common output tray, including routing the first sheet media from an imaging device into the output tray using a diverter device, and routing the second sheet media from the imaging device into a sheet handling device and then into the output tray using the diverter device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an imaging device to automatically detect the presence of an automatic document feeder.

Abstract: A representative embodiment provides for an automatic document feeder apparatus configured for use in conjunction with an imaging device, and includes a feed guide supported in spaced overlying relation to a scan window of the imaging device. The automatic document feeder further includes a first document guide and a second document guide. The first and second document guides are supported in spaced relation to each other and are configured to guide a sheet media between the feed guide and the scan window. In use, the sheet media is the only element present between the scan window and the feed guide. Another representative embodiment provides for a method of automatically feeding documents, including guiding a sheet media into a gap that is defined by a scan window and a feed guide, and guiding the sheet media out of the gap.

Abstract: A removable and re-attachable keyboard device for interfacing with an imaging device in a position adjacent to a display on the imaging device is presented. The keyboard device docks or otherwise couples the imaging device as opposed to residing on the table or base upon which the imaging device resides. The keyboard device includes a keyboard base which is generally planar with one end thereof being a keyboard base interface for facilitating at least mechanical coupling of the keyboard device with the imaging device and a keyboard. The keyboard base supports and maintains the keyboard in an ergonomic and more user-friendly attitude in relationship to a display of the imaging device. Messaging services are also available for dispatching directly from the imaging device as a result of data input to the keyboard device.

Abstract: A method for scanning successive images including the steps of scanning a first image bearing media employing a top to bottom scan direction and scanning a second image bearing media employing a bottom to top scan direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating a scanner connected to a document feeder are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a calibration strip attached to a rotatable wheel assembly disposed within the document feeder. A cam is provided to rotate the wheel assembly and expose the calibration strip to the field of view of a head assembly of the scanner for calibration. The cam is configured to then rotate the wheel assembly in the opposite direction, so that the calibration strip is no longer exposed to the head assembly. A cleaning blade may be provided to wipe the calibration strip as it is moved to its non-exposed position.

Abstract: A multifunction printer apparatus includes a printer, with a printer media path, and a scanner/stapler assembly detachably secured to the printer. The scanner/stapler assembly includes a scanner and a stapler-configured media path that begins at the printer media path and emerges from the scanner/stapler assembly along a direction perpendicular to a feed direction of the scanner.

Abstract: A representative embodiment provides for a sheet media level detection system, including a first level detector configured to provide a first signal corresponding to a first predetermined level of a first sheet media from a first source within an output tray, and a second level detector configured to provide a second signal corresponding to a second predetermined level of a second sheet media from a second source within the output tray. Another embodiment provides for a method including routing a first sheet media and a second sheet media from respective sources into a common output tray, and issuing a first signal in response to detecting a first predetermined level of the first sheet media using a first level detector, and issuing a second signal in response to detecting a second predetermined level of the second sheet media in the output tray using a second level detector.

Abstract: A system including a user computer is configured to generate an electronic document file, and an imaging apparatus is configured to form mirror images on a side of a transparency media in correspondence to the electronic document file. The system also includes an overhead projector configured to support the transparency media with the imaged side in contact with the overhead projector, and to project the mirror images in proper viewing orientation onto a surface. A method of imaging transparency sheet media includes detecting a transparency media designation associated with an electronic document file, and determining a mirror imaging status in response to detecting the transparency media designation. The method further includes deriving an electronic mirror image corresponding to the electronic document file in accordance with the status, and forming an image on a sheet of transparency sheet media in accordance with the electronic mirror image.

Abstract: A portable memory medium with memory means, e.g., a magnetic strip or integrated circuit, for storing personal data and a language identifier that identifies a preferred language of an owner of the portable memory medium. For example, an automated teller machine (ATM) card includes a language identifier that indicates a preferred language in which the ATM card owner desires to have an ATM machine present a user interface in the preferred language. When the ATM card is inserted into the ATM machine, the ATM machine reads the language identifier from the ATM card, identifies a preferred language associated with the language identifier, and presents a user interface in the preferred language. A secondary language identifier may also be used in the event that the original language identifier is not recognized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an imaging device to automatically detect the presence of an automatic document feeder.

Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for an automatic document feeder including a housing and a cover supported by the housing. The cover and the housing are configured to define a storage compartment, and the storage compartment is configured to removably store at least one scan window, wherein the at least one scan window is configured for use with the automatic document feeder. A method of using the present invention includes storing a replacement scan window within a storage compartment, removing an existing scan window from an operational location of an automatic document feeder, retrieving the replacement scan window from the storage compartment, and installing the replacement scan window in the operational location of the automatic document feeder.

Abstract: A representative embodiment provides for a sheet media level detection system, including a first level detector configured to provide a first signal corresponding to a first predetermined level of a first sheet media from a first source within an output tray, and a second level detector configured to provide a second signal corresponding to a second predetermined level of a second sheet media from a second source within the output tray. Another embodiment provides for a method including routing a first sheet media and a second sheet media from respective sources into a common output tray, and issuing a first signal in response to detecting a first predetermined level of the first sheet media using a first level detector, and issuing a second signal in response to detecting a second predetermined level of the second sheet media in the output tray using a second level detector.

Abstract: A representative embodiment provides for an imaging apparatus including an output tray supported by the imaging apparatus and configured to receive sheet media from a first source and a second source, wherein the first source and the second source are respectively supported by the imaging apparatus. Optionally, the imaging apparatus also includes a detector configured to provide a signal in response to a predetermined accumulation of sheet media from the first source and the second source within the output tray. Another embodiment provides a method of receiving a first sheet media and a second sheet media within a common output tray, including routing the first sheet media from an imaging device into the output tray using a diverter device, and routing the second sheet media from the imaging device into a sheet handling device and then into the output tray using the diverter device.

Abstract: A representative embodiment provides for an automatic document feeder apparatus configured for use in conjunction with an imaging device, and includes a feed guide supported in spaced overlying relation to a scan window of the imaging device. The automatic document feeder further includes a first document guide and a second document guide. The first and second document guides are supported in spaced relation to each other and are configured to guide a sheet media between the feed guide and the scan window. In use, the sheet media is the only element present between the scan window and the feed guide. Another representative embodiment provides for a method of automatically feeding documents, including guiding a sheet media into a gap that is defined by a scan window and a feed guide, and guiding the sheet media out of the gap.

Abstract: A removable and re-attachable keyboard device for interfacing with an imaging device in a position adjacent to a display on the imaging device is presented. The keyboard device docks or otherwise couples the imaging device as opposed to residing on the table or base upon which the imaging device resides. The keyboard device includes a keyboard base which is generally planar with one end thereof being a keyboard base interface for facilitating at least mechanical coupling of the keyboard device with the imaging device and a keyboard. The keyboard base supports and maintains the keyboard in an ergonomic and more user-friendly attitude in relationship to a display of the imaging device. Messaging services are also available for dispatching directly from the imaging device as a result of data input to the keyboard device.

Abstract: A scan window cover assembly in an imaging system includes a document feed system convertible between a manual feed mode, in which individual documents are placed manually onto a scan bed, and an automatic feed mode, in which an automatic document feeder moves documents over a scan window. The scan window cover assembly includes a scan window cover capable of selectively covering the scan window of the imaging system when the imaging system is in its manual feed mode, and can also include a cover actuating mechanism connected to the scan window cover. The cover actuating mechanism is adapted and constructed to move the scan window cover between a covering position blocking the scan window, and an open position outside the scan window.

Abstract: A portable memory medium with memory means, e.g., a magnetic strip or integrated circuit, for storing personal data and a language identifier that identifies a preferred language of an owner of the portable memory medium. For example, an automated teller machine (ATM) card includes a language identifier that indicates a preferred language in which the ATM card owner desires to have an ATM machine present a user interface in the preferred language. When the ATM card is inserted into the ATM machine, the ATM machine reads the language identifier from the ATM card, identifies a preferred language associated with the language identifier, and presents a user interface in the preferred language. A secondary language identifier may also be used in the event that the original language identifier is not recognized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating a scanner connected to a document feeder are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a calibration strip attached to a rotatable wheel assembly disposed within the document feeder. A cam is provided to rotate the wheel assembly and expose the calibration strip to the field of view of a head assembly of the scanner for calibration. The cam is configured to then rotate the wheel assembly in the opposite direction, so that the calibration strip is no longer exposed to the head assembly. A cleaning blade may be provided to wipe the calibration strip as it is moved to its non-exposed position.

Abstract: A method for scanning successive images including the steps of scanning a first image bearing media employing a top to bottom scan direction and scanning a second image bearing media employing a bottom to top scan direction.